Ryan Reynolds Named, Taylor Swift Eyed—Why Blake Lively’s Trial Is Becoming Hollywood’s Scariest Drama

Blake Lively is preparing to speak out in a highly anticipated legal battle. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Lively’s attorney, Mike Gottlieb, confirmed that the actress will testify under oath in the upcoming trial involving her It Ends with Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.

When asked about Lively’s involvement in the trial, Gottlieb answered with confidence: “Yes, she will testify. The ultimate moment for a plaintiff’s story to be told is at trial. We expect that to be the case here, and so we would, of course, expect her to be a witness at her trial. Of course, she’s going to testify.”

The announcement came shortly after Lively’s emotional speech at the TIME100 Gala in late April, where she shared a deeply personal story about her mother’s survival after an attack by a “work acquaintance” before Lively was born. During the speech, Lively hinted at the ongoing case, referencing the challenges of the past two years and implying that much more was yet to be revealed.

Lively’s Legal Team Asserts Retaliation Claims

Gottlieb stressed that Lively’s testimony will be crucial in shedding light on what he describes as a “retaliation campaign” against her, following her raising concerns about sexual harassment on set. Lively’s legal team insists that the core of the case revolves around these retaliation claims, with hopes that discovery will allow them to focus squarely on what they believe is the crux of the matter: that Lively’s objections were met with harmful actions, leading to legal action.

“We think there have been a lot of distractions put up to deflect attention from the retaliation campaign that was launched against her,” Gottlieb said. “We expect and hope that in discovery we’ll have an opportunity to really focus on what we believe to be the core part of the case.”

The Role of Witnesses and Evidence

While Lively will testify, Gottlieb assures that she will not be the only one to take the stand. “There are individuals who were witnesses to or experienced misconduct that is relevant to Ms. Lively’s claims,” he explained. He anticipates live testimony from other witnesses, particularly those who were present on the It Ends with Us set, to play a critical role in bolstering their case.

The legal team is also preparing to present documentary evidence, including statements from producers, Sony Pictures, and additional eyewitnesses, which will strengthen their claims. Gottlieb made it clear that the case will not rely solely on witness testimony but will also include critical documents and evidence to support Lively’s version of events.

Ryan Reynolds’ Role in the Case

As speculation continues to swirl about the involvement of other celebrities, one of the most pressing questions is whether Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, will testify. Though Reynolds is named as a defendant in Baldoni’s countersuit, Lively’s legal team is working to have these claims dismissed, with Gottlieb calling them “frivolous.”

“If the claims are dropped, Reynolds may or may not be a fact witness,” Gottlieb said. While Reynolds’ role remains uncertain, he has been drawn into the legal proceedings due to his close relationship with Lively, and his involvement in the case is being closely watched by fans and media alike.

Subpoenaing Celebrities: A Controversial Tactic

Lively’s legal team has raised concerns over the subpoenas issued to celebrities like Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman. While Baldoni’s team has expressed interest in involving these high-profile figures, Gottlieb questioned the relevance of their testimonies to the case.

“You can’t just go around subpoenaing people because they’re famous and you think it will generate a bunch of headlines,” Gottlieb remarked. “The federal courts don’t tolerate that kind of behavior.” He emphasized that the case should remain focused on Lively’s experiences, rather than becoming a spectacle involving random celebrities.

Baldoni’s Counterclaims and the Trial Ahead

The battle between Lively and Baldoni is intensifying, with both sides preparing for a lengthy legal process. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, has pushed back against Lively’s team’s accusations, calling their statements “distractions” and defending Baldoni’s actions throughout the controversy. Freedman has also claimed that Reynolds’ involvement in the case is more significant than Lively’s team has acknowledged, suggesting that there may be more to uncover.

“The truth has been clearly shown through unedited receipts, documents, and real-life footage. More to come,” Freedman promised, as he continues to challenge Lively’s claims and her public narrative.

As the trial looms, both sides are bracing for what promises to be a high-profile legal showdown. The testimony of Blake Lively, alongside other witnesses and crucial evidence, will likely shape the outcome of the case. For now, the legal teams are preparing for discovery, and the world waits to see how this celebrity legal battle will unfold.